Description

Designed for you, if you are...

• A professional - whether rig-based or office-based
• An engineer involved in the design, inspection, or operation of drillstrings
• An experienced professional in need of a refresher, particularly if it has been two years or more since your last drillstring design course

How we build your confidence

• Instructor-led learning: A mix of PowerPoint overviews, whiteboard explanations, use of BHA model kits and interactive exercises
• Interlinked course narrative: Each topic builds on the previous one for a structured learning journey
• Classroom engagement: Ample opportunities for class-led discussions and Q&A sessions

The benefits from attending

• Understand the fundamental considerations in drillstring design for low and high angle wells
• Analyse torque and drag origins and their implications for well and drillstring design
• Identify and mitigate causes of drillstring failure, including shock, vibration, erosion, and corrosion
• Select appropriate metallurgy and components based on operational needs
• Understand drillstring inspection, storage, and handling requirements to maximise service life
• Design drillstrings to minimise rotary tendency and improve hole cleaning efficiency
• Evaluate drillstring stresses in stuck pipe scenarios and loss of endpoint buoyancy considerations
• Assess axial, torsional, and bending loads on the drillstring and apply fatigue management strategies
• Understand drillstring hydraulics, including pressure loss, hole cleaning efficiency, and mud rheology effects
• Recognise best practices for realtime monitoring of drillstring integrity and performance
• Apply troubleshooting techniques for common drillstring problems, including differential sticking, mechanical sticking, and hole collapse

Topics

• Key principles and priorities in drillstring design
• Material selection based on strength, flexibility, and wear resistance
• Drillstring component overview: Drill pipe, HWDP, BHA, tool joints, stabilisers

• Axial, torsional, and bending loads and their effects on performance
• Buckling considerations - identifying sinusoidal and helical buckling risks
• Fatigue management - predicting and preventing cyclic loading failures
• Drillstring elongation and stretch due to high tension loads

• Differences in design approach for low angle vs. high angle wells
• Adjusting BHA configurations as wellbore inclination increases
• Directional considerations and the impact of well trajectory

• What is Torque & Drag? Understanding frictional forces in the drillstring
• Identifying key torque and drag contributors and mitigation strategies
• Lubrication, mechanical friction reduction, and BHA adjustments

• Pressure loss calculations in the drillstring and annulus
• Drilling fluid effects - impact of viscosity, density, and rheology
• Hydraulic optimisation for hole cleaning and pressure balance

• Common failure modes: Fatigue, twistoff, washouts, overtorquing, dogleg severity effects
• Failure prevention through API standards and operational best practices

• Types of vibration: Axial, lateral, and torsional (stickslip)
• Effects of shock and vibration on tool longevity and drilling efficiency
• Vibration monitoring techniques for early detection of issues

• Tool joint wear - prevention and maintenance techniques
• Slip crushing and overtorqueing issues
• Hardbanding best practices to reduce wear

• Best practices for storing, handling, and transporting drillstring components
• API & DS1 inspection standards for drill pipe integrity

• Understanding rotary tendency and how to counteract undesirable directional effects
• Designing drillstrings for optimal cuttings transport and wellbore stability

• Stress analysis during stuck pipe incidents
• The impact of endpoint buoyancy loss on drillstring design

• Connection makeup and torque control
• Best practices for running and pulling drillstrings
• Handling heavyweight drill pipe (HWDP) and collars safely

• Protecting the drillstring in operations
• Downhole data analysis - using MWD and LWD tools
• Torque & drag monitoring - identifying early warning signs

• Designs to avoid differential sticking and mechanical sticking
• Consideration to avoid pack-off scenarios
• Fishing and recovery considerations